If you’ve ever thrown plastic spoons at a Music Box Theater screening of The Room, stepping into Emporium’s latest pop-up bar is going to be a surreal experience akin to seeing the cult-classic movie for the very first time. It's also the perfect place to pre-game before seeing The Disaster Artist, James Franco's comedic re-telling of the making of the so-bad-it's-good movie, which opens in Chicago on Friday, December 1.
Called Tommy’s Planet (in honor of The Room’s director, producer and star Tommy Wiseau), the bar is dressed up to resemble locations from the film, complete with theatrical lighting that will make you feel like you’ve stepped behind the scenes. The entrance has been transformed into a recreation of the infamous flower shop scene, complete with a pug sculpture you can say “hi doggy” to. Inside, you’ll find a reproduction of Lisa’s apartment (tastefully decorated with art that features spoons) and a rooftop hangout with a green screen backdrop (so you can easily imagine some scenic San Francisco vistas).
After yelling "I did not hit her! I did nooooot!" at the top of your lungs, you're going to need a drink, and the tuxedo T-shirt–clad bartenders at this pop-up are happy to oblige. If you're craving something screen-accurate, try the Scotchka (Lisa's favorite cocktail), which combines vodka, scotch, bitter orange and ginger beer. There's also a drink named after the film's most famous quote, You're Tearing Me Apart, Lisa!—a refreshing mixture of gin, Branca Menta, lime and soda.
Tommy's Planet debuted last night and will be open in Emporium's Logan Square pop-up space (2367 N Milwaukee Ave) from 5pm to 2am on Thursday, November 30 and Friday, December 1; and noon to 3am on Saturday, December 2. That gives you just three more days to become the bar's favorite customer.
Take a look at some photos of the bar's The Room-inspired drinks and decor below.
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas